Daily Prayer for Peace
Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.

Map of Iraq

Flag of Iraq
Iraq

Would you like to learn more about Iraq?
Visit Lonely Planet.
Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of Candle

Invitation
  Welcome today to this sacred place. Each day in this Temple dedicated to the pursuit of peace, we pray to God for peace in our world. In addition, each day we pray for a different country.

Today we hold up the people of Iraq in our prayers. Located in the Middle East, Iraq occupies the ancient region of Mesopotamia, "land amidst the rivers," a fertile lowland created by the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Today these rivers sustain large areas of irrigated farmland and one of the highest populations in the Middle East. Beneath the land, Iraq is second only to Saudi Arabia in rich oil reserves. The country's future remains very tenuous with a new government and with the United Nation’s help is seeking to stabilize.

Let us lift up an ensign of peace, and make a proclamation for peace unto the ends of the earth as we worship our God.
 
Reading: Mathew 5:14-16 NIV
  You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before all people, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Creator in heaven.
 

Prayer for Peace by  Sara Parkin, Midland, Michigan
  Our God and Creator,

We lift up our voices to you today, in thankfulness. You have given us so much. We have Your love and devotion. The earth, skies and seas are magnificent and call out Your name. We are blessed. We have food and lodging. We have love of family and friends. We have worth in this world. We have work to do. We have esteem. We can look in another’s eyes and see that they see us, who we are. We are somebody. We think we have peace.

There are those out in Your world that do not have or see the blessings that are there. They may not have the ability to see, touch, hear, smell, or taste what others take for granted. They may not have a roof over their heads or a blanket to keep them warm.

They may be missing human contact of a meaningful relationship. They may not be seen by others. They may be shoved or kicked out of the way as worthless beings. They are nobodies. They have no peace. They lift up their voices to you today in despair.

Oh, God, we ask forgiveness today. We have been guilty of passing by; of not sharing Your love with all; of not using the stewardship principles to share financially with those who have less. We are guilty of not hearing the cries of the brokenhearted, hungry and thirsty. We pray that our vision might clear, and we might truly see all your people as having worth and their God-given right to be treated like a human being. Only then will we ever know Zion and live in Shalom.

We pray this day for us to awaken and go out to give Your peace to all we meet. Amen.
 

Hymn - Christ Has Called Us to New Visions - Sing for Peace #38
 
Prayers of the People
Please join us now, praying the Prayers of the People. During the moments of silence, you are invited to pray silently or meditate.
  O God, our creator, you are the way of peace. Come into the brokenness of our lives and our land with your healing love.
The People Pray in Silence
  Help us to be willing to bow before you in true repentance, and to bow to one another in real forgiveness. By the fire of your Holy Spirit, melt our hard hearts and consume the pride and prejudice which separate us.
The People Pray in Silence
  Fill us, O Jesus, with your perfect love which casts out fear, and bind us together in that unity which you share with your Parent and the Holy Spirit.
The People Pray in Silence
  We pray for all occasions which bring together people of different traditions. We remember the people of Iraq today. Hear their cries for peace. Move on the hearts of world leaders that they may also hear the people’s cries and create peace.
The People Pray in Silence
  We lift up to you the needs and concerns of those gathered here this day. Be with us, and
lead us in your ways.
The People Pray in Silence
  Please use this space to pray for any current concern or event in our community, city, state, nation or world that you feel needs to be held up to God for prayerful consideration.
The People Pray in Silence
  We thank you and praise you for love that sustains us, for wisdom that directs us, and for the desire that beckons us toward peace in our world. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
 
Sending Forth
  We will conclude our service today with Ministry of Music. You are invited to leave this place quietly or remain to pray or meditate for as long as you may wish.

Let us go from this place and be the people of peace we are called to be.
 
Postlude